The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Friday demanded use of ballot papers in the Littipara assembly bypoll scheduled on April 9.

In a letter to the Election Commission of India, party General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya, citing questions being raised over the fairness of EVM machines, demanded that ballot papers should be used in the Jharkhand assembly bypoll.

JMM has alleged that the ruling BJP was trying to influence the bypoll by posting officials of their choice.

The Littipara assembly poll is scheduled on April 9. The filing of nominations is underway. The JMM is holding the seat since 1977. The seat fell vacant after JMM legislator Anil Murmu died following a heart attack in January this year.

BSP chief Maywati had, after the Uttar Pradesh assembly results, raised questions over the fairness of the EVM machines. Her contention was later supported by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

--IANS

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